Student support
Most students require a little extra help from time to time. Shetland College UHI offers help in a number of different areas.
Student discount information
Personal
Personal adviser
You will be allocated a personal adviser who will introduce you to the academic courses and assessment procedures, in addition to providing regular support and guidance on academic matters.
Finance
Before you enrol on a course of study through Shetland College UHI, it is important that you know how it is going to be funded and have submitted your application for fees and any personal financial support you may be entitled to.
Full-time Further education (SCQF Level 1-6)*
Full time further education courses are funded by a bursary from the Shetland Islands Council (SIC). An application form is sent out to all successful applicants with a college offer letter. The SIC will pay tuition fees for all eligible students and family income will not be taken into account. Applications for maintenance and travel allowances (if applicable) should be included in your bursary application and an award will be dependent on your level of income.
Full-time Higher education (SCQF level 7-12)*
Full time higher education courses are funded through the Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). All application should be made online at www.saas.gov.uk .SAAS will pay tuition fees for all eligible full time students; the level of family income will not be taken into account. Support for living costs will mainly be through a student loan, Young Student’s bursary or Independent Student’s bursary (where applicable) and will be dependent on your personal circumstances.
Part-time study (SCQF1-12)*
A part time student is defined as anyone who is studying less than 16 hours per week in class, or 21 hours per week in total made up of 16 hours in class with remaining hours using structured learning packages supported by teaching staff. Part time students will normally have to pay for their own fees unless they have secured other sources of funding through an employer, an ILA Account (see advertisement) or are eligible for a fee waiver
Classes are free and you should apply for a fee waiver if:
- You are in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Attendance Allowance or Contributory Employment and Support Allowance.
- Your family is in receipt of Working Tax Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance.
- The net income of your family is equivalent to, or below the threshold for receiving Income Support.
Please contact the college directly to apply for a fee waiver. Evidence of allowances or income must be submitted with the application form and must cover the first day of study.
Classes which involve literacy, numeracy and learning English for Speaker of Other Languages are free up to SCQF 4.
Part time students in receipt of a fee waiver and studying courses at SCQF levels 1-6 can apply for a bursary to meet the costs of travel and materials. Applications should be made on the SIC Bursary application form and a signed copy of the fee waiver should be included with the application. Copies of completed fee waiver applications may be obtained from the college office or Guidance Room on production of identification.
Students receiving benefits
Some students can remain on benefits whilst studying. You should seek advice from JobCentre Plus, Department of Work and Pensions or the Citizen’s Advice Bureau prior to starting your course.
Discretionary funds
At Shetland College UHI we understand that many students struggle to cope on a very low income and so we are keen to help students who are in real need before they reach crisis point. The discretionary fund will accept applications from Full time and part time Higher and Further Education Students. Applications will be assessed according to mode of study and level of income and all applicants will be required to submit supporting evidence prior to any award being made. The discretionary fund is a cash limited fund and is aimed at helping those in most need.
Childcare funds
Shetland College operates a childcare fund for full time and part time students using registered childcare. Applications are income assessed and are not repayable on completion of the course. Applications will be assessed according to mode of study and level of income and all applicants will be required to submit supporting evidence prior to any award being made. The Childcare fund is a cash limited fund and is aimed at helping those in most need.
For more information please contact Linda Tait on 01595 771236
Guidance
Guidance service
The guidance service is located next to the library and just off the Common Area to make it convenient for students to drop in and have a chat. The guidance service provides confidential advice and support on any issues which affect student’s welfare e.g. illness, debt, careers guidance and personal matters. Students are encouraged to drop by at their convenience or an appointment can be made where needed.
For more information on any of the above please contact: Linda Tait on 01595 771236.
Careers
Careers support
Students at Shetland College UHI are able to access a wide range of information and advice to help them develop their careers or enter employment. Help is available to find out about options after study, career and training routes, finding work, and completing CVs and application forms. In addition to support provided as part of your course or by your course tutor, specialist careers services are also available:
You can access the skills of a career coach who can help you to identify your goals and offer practical steps to achieving them. Contact Karen Manson if you would like to book a session.
Careers Scotland offers support to people of all ages in Scotland. The website includes a database of information, details of how to contact your local service and a CV builder.
The UHI Career Centre is available to all students studying on an HNC / HND or degree. The website includes access to a database of information, details of job vacancies, and access to e-guidance and career coaching services.
For more information about employability - from CVs to Interviews to Career ideas - have a look at:
http://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/
General
General advice on the following can be found on the UHI website:
Student Counselling
There are times when we all need someone to talk to.
Our college based counsellor is trained and experienced to help you with whatever concerns you might have. We have a dedicated confidential space to meet and talk through issues.
To arrange an appointment directly with the college counsellor please email your request to shetland.counselling@uhi.ac.uk or contact our guidance co-ordinator Linda Tait by phone: 01595 771447 or email: linda.tait@uhi.ac.uk.
The important thing to remember is that you’re not alone and that staff are here to help.
